Legislators Press CTE on Waitlists, Funding and $10 million Governor Proposal

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Feb. 10 heard an overview of the Division of Career Technical Education (CTE) budget, a rundown of FY2026 requests and questions from committee members about waitlists, faculty and facilities.

CTE is a statewide system that spans secondary schools, six technical colleges, adult education programs and workforce training centers. Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, summarized the division's base budget, noted multiple one-time and ongoing appropriations in recent years and identified several funds that support CTE programs.

Campbell said CTE "plays a central role in Idaho's ongoing workforce development efforts," and described revenue sources including the Displaced Homemaker Fund (supported by a $20 fee on divorces), the Hazardous Materials and Waste Enforcement Fund (supported by hazmat permits) and the Motorcycle Safety Fund (supported by driver's license and motorcycle permit fees). He said CTE typically spends nearly 100% of its appropriations but had reappropriations in FY2022 and FY2024 related to federal funds.

Joshua Whitworth, executive director for the State Board of Education and interim director for the CTE division, answered committee questions about demand, staffing and specific line items. Whitworth said current federal…